Businesses write to Mo. governor on discrimination

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Several Missouri lawyers and civil rights groups are urging Gov. Jay Nixon to veto a bill changing the legal standard fired workers must meet in discrimination lawsuits against their former employers.

Letters released by Nixon’s office to The Associated Press assert the bill would give businesses less incentive to prevent discrimination.

The Democratic governor has criticized the measure as harmful to victims of discrimination. He plans to take action on the bill Friday.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry said Tuesday the state could be labeled as “anti-employer” if Nixon vetoes the bill. Business groups have urged the governor to sign the measure, saying it would help create jobs by providing financial certainty for employers.